It's been a few weeks since we've been out at Union Bay as a class, but there were definitely some new birds there this Thursday despite the rain.

ORANGE CROWNED WARBLERS were out and on singing on territory. A WARBLING VIREO was feeding and singing in the small trees just after the signs at the entrance to the area. Surprisingly, a female COMMON YELLOWTHROAT was hanging out in there too, feeding. I think some have already seen this impressive species around the marsh, but seems like the densities of some of these migrants are really picking up now.

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were still abundant in the Cottonwood trees around Union Bay, and some of the GOLD FINCHES, although less abundant now, seem to be settling in to some of the smaller trees, perhaps looking for nest sites? 

I heard my first WILSON'S WARBLER of the year in the bushes outside my house, and Jen reported from my neighborhood that WESTERN TANAGERS may be back now too.

There have been reports of STRAY SHOREBIRDS dropping down at the Union Bay ponds too to rest and refuel on their way north, although we didn't see any yesterday.

Finally, Kiran, Sara, and I discovered a KILLDEER NEST which appeared to be abandoned--perhaps disturbed by one of the restoration parties at Union Bay. Here is Kiran's picture:

The eggs were cold, but apparently well enough camouflaged that they haven't been discovered by crows.